Don't get AstraZeneca for 2nd dose if mRNA was your first, B.C. health officials say
People who received an mRNA vaccine for their first dose are being advised to stick with that type for their second dose.
While health officials have said it's fine to mix and match between mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, or to follow up an AstraZeneca vaccine with ad mRNA shot, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday that people shouldn't seek a dose of AstraZeneca if their first dose was an mRNA vaccine.
Although Henry did not explain her reasoning behind the one-directional approach with the AstraZeneca vaccine, the shot is associated with a very rare risk of blood clotting.
“I don't see a scenario where we would give AstraZeneca as a second dose (to people who received mRNA first), with the one exception of people who had an allergic reaction to an mRNA vaccine,” she said.
However, for those who received AstraZeneca as their first dose, B.C. continues to recommend that people choose whether they want to follow up with that type for their second dose, or whether to mix it up and get an mRNA vaccine.
Last week the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) updated its recommendations around the AstraZeneca vaccine. It’s now recommending that people who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine receive a second dose of an mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer or Moderna. The advice is based on emerging evidence that suggests a better immune response when a person gets AstraZeneca as their first dose, and then follows it up with an mRNA vaccine for their second dose.
Although B.C. hasn’t changed its policy, and is continuing to offer the AstraZeneca vaccine, there’s been a decline in the number of people seeking the AstraZeneca vaccine.
It’s leaving some to wonder whether there will be a surplus of AstraZeneca, and whether an enhanced immune response is also seen when you get mRNA first and follow it up with AstraZeneca. Neither Henry nor Health Minister Adrian Dix seemed concerned that there would be a glut of AstraZeneca, and Henry recommended against AstraZeneca as a second dose after an mRNA vaccine.
They both emphasized that many more mRNA vaccine shipments are arriving this month.
“Overall we know that we are getting a net increase of vaccines in June,” Dix said
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.